Doctors have identified four diseases that could pose significant threats to the UK in 2026, including flu, rubella, and mpox, amid concerns over falling vaccination rates and food insecurity.
The UK is currently experiencing a severe 'super flu' outbreak, with record hospitalisations for this time of year. NHS National Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit described the situation as a 'worst-case scenario'. Flu remains one of the most concerning diseases, according to Professor Paul Hunter of the University of East Anglia.
Childhood vaccination rates in the UK have hit a 15-year low, sparking fears of a resurgence of rubella, also known as German measles. Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, warned that lower MMR vaccine uptake could lead to new cases, which pose serious risks to pregnant women, including congenital rubella syndrome causing birth defects.
A recombinant strain of mpox has also put health officials on alert. The new strain, a combination of two known variants, was detected in a person returning from Asia. Dr Head noted that mpox outbreaks continue globally, and the virus is 'now here to stay'. An mpox vaccine is available on the NHS for eligible individuals.
Food insecurity is a growing concern, with malnutrition increasing vulnerability to infectious diseases. Jess Boxall, Research Fellow in Public Health and Nutrition at the University of Southampton, stated that around one in three people worldwide are food insecure, including 11% of UK households, weakening immune systems.
